ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard — main product image

ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard

ASRock

ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard

Name: ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard
Brand: ASRock
SKU: Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4

The ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4 squeezes full Z790 platform capability — PCIe 4.0 storage, DDR4 up to 5333+MHz OC, and Intel 13th Gen CPU support — into a compact Micro-ATX footprint.

$174.99*$219.99Save 20%

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Overview

The ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4 is a Micro-ATX motherboard built on Intel's Z790 chipset with DDR4 memory support — a combination that targets builders who want current-generation platform performance without the cost or case size requirement of full ATX DDR5 boards. Z790 brings PCIe 5.0 CPU lanes (though this board routes them to PCIe 4.0 for practical slot use), robust overclocking support for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors, and a broad I/O complement. The 10+1+1 phase Dr.MOS power design provides genuine VRM headroom for K-series CPU overclocking, not just adequate performance at stock settings. Two Hyper M.2 slots running at PCIe Gen 4x4 each support current flagship NVMe SSDs without compromise.

The board is built for Micro-ATX cases and compact enthusiast builds where space is a constraint but performance is not. Four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting speeds up to 5333+(OC) let builders reuse existing high-speed DDR4 memory kits from previous-generation builds, which represents real cost savings without surrendering meaningful bandwidth for gaming or productivity workloads. The I/O rear panel includes USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, Intel 1G LAN, and 7.1 CH HD audio via the Realtek ALC897 codec. An M.2 Key-E slot is provided for a WiFi module, sold separately. The single HDMI output is adequate for integrated graphics diagnostics and display; discrete GPU users are unaffected. This is a focused, capable board for builders who need Z790 platform performance in a smaller form factor.

Key Features

Supports 13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel Core Processors

10+1+1 Phase Power Design, Dr.MOS for VCore+GT

4 x DDR4 DIMMs, supports up to 5333+(OC)

1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 Key-E for WiFi

Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI

Specifications

Form Factor

Micro-ATX

Chipset

Intel Z790

CPU Support

13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel Core (LGA1700)

Power Design

10+1+1 Phase, Dr.MOS (VCore+GT)

Memory

4x DDR4 DIMM, up to 5333+(OC)

M.2 Slots

2x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4 / PCIe Gen4x4 + SATA3)

SATA Ports

4x SATA3

PCIe Slots

1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1

WiFi

M.2 Key-E slot (module sold separately)

LAN

Intel 1G

Audio

7.1 CH HD (Realtek ALC897), Nahimic Audio

USB (Rear)

1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0

Graphics Output

1x HDMI

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this board support both 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors without a BIOS update?

Both generations are supported, but whether a BIOS update is required depends on board revision and shipping firmware. If you pair it with a 13th Gen CPU out of the box, confirm the installed BIOS version supports Raptor Lake before first boot — ASRock's website provides BIOS update files if needed, and the board can be flashed with a compatible 12th Gen CPU first.

What is the advantage of the 10+1+1 phase power design with Dr.MOS for this platform?

More power phases distribute VRM load across more components, which reduces heat per phase and improves voltage stability under sustained CPU load. Dr.MOS integrates driver, high-side, and low-side MOSFETs into a single package for improved efficiency. For users running stock frequencies this is headroom you won't fully use; for overclocking 13th Gen K-series CPUs it provides meaningful thermal margin that cheaper VRM configurations don't offer.

Does this board support DDR4 or DDR5 memory?

DDR4 only — the /D4 designation in the model name explicitly indicates DDR4 DIMM slots. This board does not accept DDR5 modules. Four DIMM slots support up to 5333MHz+ in overclocked configurations, offering strong DDR4 performance headroom for users who already have a DDR4 kit or want to avoid DDR5 pricing.

How many M.2 NVMe slots does the board provide, and what speeds do they support?

There are two M.2 slots, both labeled Hyper M.2 — one supports PCIe Gen 4x4, and the second supports PCIe Gen 4x4 and SATA3. Both slots support current-generation NVMe SSDs at full PCIe 4.0 bandwidth (up to approximately 7,000 MB/s sequential read for capable drives).

Is WiFi built in, or does it need to be added?

WiFi is not built in. The board includes an M.2 Key-E slot specifically for a WiFi module, but the module itself must be purchased separately. If wireless connectivity is required, factor that accessory cost into the build.

Strengths & Trade-offs

👍 Pros

Full Z790 chipset on a Micro-ATX footprint delivers the overclocking and PCIe bandwidth capabilities of a full-size platform without mandating a large ATX case — a meaningful advantage for compact high-performance builds.
Two PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 slots support current-generation NVMe SSDs at maximum platform bandwidth, eliminating storage bottlenecks for users running fast SSDs like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X.
DDR4 compatibility up to 5333+(OC) lets users leverage existing DDR4 kits at high speeds rather than purchasing a new DDR5 memory kit, reducing total build cost without sacrificing meaningful real-world performance for most workloads.
The 10+1+1 phase Dr.MOS power design provides sufficient VRM stability for running 13th Gen K-series CPUs under extended full-load workloads without thermal throttling at the voltage regulator stage.
USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C on both the rear I/O and front panel header covers both desk connectivity and case front-panel requirements for high-speed external storage and device charging.

👎 Cons

The single HDMI graphics output for integrated graphics is limited to one monitor — users who need multi-monitor display output via integrated graphics cannot do so without a discrete GPU.
No built-in WiFi is an omission that requires a separate M.2 Key-E module purchase, adding cost and complexity for users who need wireless connectivity in a compact build.
Micro-ATX form factor limits GPU clearance and overall expansion slot count compared to full ATX boards — users who run multiple discrete PCIe cards (capture card, NIC, GPU simultaneously) will find the slot count constraining.
Realtek ALC897 audio codec is a mid-tier solution — audiophiles or streamers who want clean analog output without a dedicated audio interface will likely find its noise floor and SNR insufficient for professional audio work.
DDR4-only support means this board has a shorter generational runway than DDR5-based Z790 alternatives — as DDR4 platforms mature, upgradeability options narrow compared to DDR5 builds that can accommodate future memory tier improvements.

ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard

Overview

Key Features

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

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